Do you know there is a right and wrong size trailer ball for towing?
It’s essential to use the correct size trailer ball for your vehicle.
In general, the size of the trailer ball you need is determined by the weight of your trailer.
The weight of your trailer can usually be found on a sticker or plate on the tongue or frame of the trailer.
This guide will help you determine what size ball is right for you.
Keep reading below for more information about finding the right trailer ball size.
What Size Hitch Ball Do I Need?
Typically, for trailers under 3500 pounds, a 1 7/8 inch trailer ball is sufficient.
For trailers, up to 12000 pounds, a 2 inch trailer ball is recommended.
And for trailers, up to 30000 pounds, a 2 5/16 inch trailer ball is recommended.
How do I determine what size Hitch ball I need?
To determine what size trailer ball you need, you’ll first need to know the weight of your trailer tongue.
There are four standard sizes for trailer balls in the recreational vehicle industry.
To find the best-size ball for your towing system, matching the diameter of the ball to the measurements of your coupler is essential.
Also, ensure that the shank fits snugly into the trailer ball hole.
Last but not least, you must verify that.
Trailers have a weight capacity that needs to be equivalent to or greater than your vehicle can tow to avoid safety concerns.
| Trailer ball size | Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) |
|---|---|
| 1-7/8-inch | 3,500 lbs |
| 2-inch | 12,000 lbs |
| 2 5/16-inch | 30,000 lbs |
How Do You Measure The Size Of Your Trailer Ball?
You can measure the size of your trailer ball in a few different ways.
The most standard way is to use a tape measure.
Measure the distance from the center of the ball to the outer edge of the ball.
This will give you the diameter of the ball.
Another way to measure the size of your trailer ball is to use a ruler.
- Place the ruler on top of the ball and make sure it touches the outer edge of the ball.
- Then, measure from one end of the ruler to the other. This will give you the circumference of the ball.
- You can also use a weighted Ruler to determine the size of your trailer ball.
- Place the ruler on top of the ball and gently drop it until it hits the ground. The ruler’s weight will cause it to sink into the ball.
- Calculate the span from the top of the ball to the bottom of the ruler. This will give you the depth of the ball.
Knowing your trailer ball’s diameter, circumference, and depth will help you determine what size trailer ball you need.
How Do You Select The Correct Size Trailer Ball For Your Needs?
There are a few ways to consider when selecting the proper size trailer ball for your needs.
First, you need to know the maximum tongue weight of your trailer.
This is the amount of downward force that will be exerted on the trailer ball by the trailer tongue.
You need to know your vehicle’s gross trailer weight rating (GTWR).
Size
There are a few things you should consider when selecting the right size trailer.
The first is the size of your trailer hitch.
The size of the trailer ball is determined by its shank diameter, measured in inches.
The most common sizes are 1-7/8″, 2″, and 2-5/16″.
The shank diameter should be matched the size of the trailer coupler.
It will determine the maximum size of the trailer ball you can use.
Weight
As a general rule of thumb, a 1-7/8-inch trailer ball should be used for trailers with a gross trailer weight of 3,500 lbs. or less, a 2″ trailer ball for trailers between 3,501 lbs. and 7,000 lbs., and a 2 5/16-inch trailer ball for trailers over 7,000 lbs.
This will determine the minimum size of trailer ball that you need.
The heavier your trailer, the larger the trailer ball should be.
This is because a giant trailer ball will provide better stability for your trailer.
Types
You will also need to consider the type of coupler that you have.
Some couplers are different from specific sizes of trailer balls.
There are three main types of couplers:
A-frame couplers
This type of coupler is the most common.
It is designed for use with an A-frame trailer.
Bolt-on couplers
This type of coupler is less common.
It is designed for use with a bolt-on trailer.
Weld-on couplers
This type of coupler is the least common.
It is designed for use with a weld-on trailer.
Follow the instructions
The easiest way to know what size trailer ball you need is to consult your owner’s manual.
This will list the specific sizes compatible with your trailer hitch and coupler.
You can usually find this information online if you still need to get your owner’s manual.
Once you know the maximum and minimum size of trailer ball that you can use, you can narrow down your choices.
How Do You Find The Right Size Trailer Ball For Your Vehicle?
To find the right size trailer ball for your vehicle, you’ll need to know the following three things:
Your vehicle’s gross trailer weight rating (GTWR)
The maximum weight your vehicle can tow is known as the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR).
You may find this number on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or in your owner’s handbook.
The trailer’s tongue weight
The strain your trailer exerts on the hitch is known as tongue weight.
This number should be listed on the side of your trailer.
If it’s not, you can calculate it by weighing your fully loaded trailer and subtracting the trailer’s weight without any cargo.
Your hitch manufacturer recommends the maximum trailer ball weight rating (TBWR).
The maximum trailer ball weight rating (TBWR) recommended by your hitch manufacturer is the maximum weight the trailer ball can safely support.
This information can be found in your hitch’s owner’s manual or the hitch itself.
Once you have all three of these figures
You may apply the following formula to determine which size trailer ball will fit your car:
GTWR + Tongue Weight ÷ 2 = Trailer Ball Weight Rating (TBWR)
For example, if your vehicle has a GTWR of 6000 lbs and a tongue weight of 600 lbs, you would need a trailer ball with a TBWR of at least 3600 lbs:
6000 + 600 ÷ 2 = 3600
How To Install A Trailer Ball On Your Vehicle?
Before you can install a trailer ball on your car, truck, or SUV, there are three things you need to know: the size of ball required for your particular vehicle, where on the underside of your car to attach it; and that you have all, the necessary tools.
You first need to measure the diameter of the hole in the center of the trailer coupler. This measurement will tell you what size trailer ball you need.
The most common sizes are 1 7/8, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches.
Once you know the size of the trailer ball, you can purchase one at a local hardware store or online.
You need to find the attachment point on your vehicle.
This is usually a hole in the bumper or frame of the vehicle.
The trailer ball must be inserted into the hole once the attachment point has been located.
Finally, you need to secure the trailer ball in your vehicle.
This is done using a pin or clip that goes through the hole in the trailer ball and attaches to the vehicle.
Once the trailer ball is secure, you are ready to hit the road!
How to use a trailer ball?
It is very how you will use your trailer ball.
There are three main ways to figure out what size trailer ball you need:
Use the owner’s manual:
Look up the towing capacity of your vehicle in the owner’s manual.
This will give you a good starting point for finding the right-size trailer ball.
Check with the trailer manufacturer:
The second best way to know what size trailer ball you need is to ask your trailer manufacturer.
They should have this information readily available.
Use a trailer ball size chart:
If you don’t have access to the owner’s manual or the trailer manufacturer, you can use a trailer ball size chart.
There are many of these available online.
Find one that matches your vehicle and trailer specifications.
What Happens if You Use the Wrong Size Trailer Ball?
If you use a trailer ball that is too small for your trailer, it can cause problems.
- First, the smaller ball may need help to support the weight of your trailer, which can cause it to break or come loose.
- Second, using a smaller ball can also put stress on your trailer’s coupler, which can cause it to break or become damaged.
- Using a trailer ball that is too large for your trailer can also cause problems.
- First, the giant ball may not fit appropriately in your trailer’s coupler, which can cause it to come loose or break.
- Second, using a giant ball can also stress your trailer’s hitch, which can cause it to become damaged.
Well, it depends on the situation. Make sure you know what size trailer ball you need before you hit the road!
FAQs about the right size trailer ball
Why Does The Right-Size Trailer Ball Need?
The right size matters because, If the trailer ball is too small, it can damage your trailer coupler.
The right-size trailer ball will result in a much smoother ride for you and your family.
How To Clean A Trailer Ball?
Use a mild soap and water solution.
Apply the solution to a clean cloth and wipe down the trailer ball.
Rinse with clean water and dry.
Thus clean your trailer ball carefully.
What Will Happen If The Trailer Ball I Use Is Either Too Big Or Too Little For My Car?
If the trailer ball is too big, it could come detached from the hitch while you are driving.
This could be very dangerous.
If the trailer ball is too small, it could damage the hitch receiver.
Both scenarios could be better, so it’s essential to make sure you use the right-size trailer ball.
What is a Hitch Ball?
A hitch ball is a device used to connect a trailer to a tow vehicle.
It is typically made of steel and has a threaded hole in the center so it can be attached to a tow hitch.
What is a Ball Mount?
A ball mount is a device that attaches a trailer ball to a tow hitch.
Ball mounts come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different trailer sizes and weights.
What Is The Standard Size Of A Hitch Ball?
The 2 is the standard size “hitching ball. The 2 “Hitch ball accommodates most class 3 receivers, the most popular trailer hitches.
When the medium-duty trailer hitch ball size is considered, a 2 “Hitch ball has a wide weight capacity range, allowing it to tow boat trailers, utility trailers, and campers.
Do I Need To Use A Hitch Ball With The Same Diameter As My Trailer Coupler?
The right size hitch ball for your trailer is based on the tongue weight of your trailer.
You will need to select a hitch ball with a maximum capacity that is greater than the tongue weight.
The bottom lines
To conclude, knowing the right size hitch ball for your car is vital.
You need to consider many things, such as the type of car, the model of the car, and the size of the ball.
It would be best if you got a smaller ball to buy a car with a smaller engine.
However, if you wish to buy a car with a larger engine, you will need a larger ball.
It is advisable to consider various factors when purchasing a hitch ball.
You must ensure that you acquire the correct ball size to avoid mishaps.